Blad met de voor- en achterzijde van twee penningen vervaardigd ter ere van Laurens Jansz. Coster 1740

This print, made by Jan Wandelaar, showcases the front and back of two medals honoring Laurens Janszoon Coster. Note the symbolic density of these medallions. Take, for instance, the image of the woman holding a garland. It evokes the ancient Roman goddess Fortuna, often depicted with a cornucopia or wheel, emblems of chance and destiny. Here, however, she offers a crown, symbolizing honor, while the serpent she holds signifies wisdom and knowledge, not malice. This echoes the classical motif of virtue and intellect intertwined, reminiscent of allegories found throughout Renaissance art. Consider how the symbol of Fortuna has morphed over centuries, from a capricious deity to an embodiment of virtuous achievement. Such shifts reveal the complex interplay between our collective memory and subconscious desires, shaping how we interpret visual symbols across time. Each era imbues these enduring motifs with new layers of meaning, reflecting humanity's ever-evolving narrative.